Scientific progress depends upon an adequate and reliable stream of public funding. Members of Congress need to be as aware of this reality as scientists are. Capitol Hill Day, our hallmark advocacy event of the year, brings scientists and congressional representatives together to discuss advances in the field of neuroscience, share the economic and public health benefits of investment in biomedical research, and make the case for strong national investment in scientific research through NIH and NSF.

By meeting face-to-face with lawmakers, scientists can create a personal connection while sharing their expertise in order to advance research funding. These meetings lay the groundwork for hosting lawmakers in lab tours, meeting with them once they return to their district, and becoming a resource to their staff when it comes time to make decisions about funding.

Preparing for Hill Day

We encourage all SfN members to build relationships with their members of Congress — and become advocates for neuroscience research. SfN invites a small group of neuroscience advocacy leaders, champions, and partners to take our message to Capitol Hill. Outside of SfN Hill Day, our advocacy staff can help you coordinate meetings with your members of Congress here in Washington D.C., or in your home state or district. Prepare and set up local advocacy activities and meetings with your member of Congress to reinforce the importance of neuroscience research.

Early Career Policy Ambassadors (ECPAs) are selected annually to participate in Hill Day as well as advocacy activities at their home institutions year-round.

Hill Day: Past and Present

Our 13th annual Hill Day will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2019. As in previous years, SfN will be reaching out directly to constituents of certain districts to invite them to take part in Hill Day.

At last year's Hill Day, there were 52 #NeuroAdvocates in attendance, representing 25 states and six different countries. Advocates walked a combined 400 miles that day. They held meetings with 93 Congressional Offices, not including material drop-offs. Twelve of those meetings were with members of Congress.